Cigar Box, Russia, c. 1896–1908

Cigar Box, Russia, c. 1896–1908 is an object recorded by Cleveland Museum of Art, dated c. 1896–1908. Museum description: Fabergé’s craftsmen in Moscow became known for their work in the pan-Slavic or neo-Russian taste, hearkening back to 17th-century styles of Russian folk decoration. In this whimsically oversized box for cigars or loose tobacco, Fabergé used the technique to highlight a symbol of imperial royalty, the preening peacock, here rendered in brilliant hues of blue and green enamels. The museum record gives material recorded as Silver gilt, enamel, sapphire set in gold; [reproduction silk tinder cord, gold and moonstone catch]; measurements 20.2 x 13.5 x 4.2 cm (7 15/16 x 5 5/16 x 1 5/8 in.); place associated: Russia; maker recorded: Feodor Ivanovich Rückert (Russian, 1840–1917), House of Fabergé (Russian, 1842–1918). These details come from the holding museum's own record; how far this object represents a wider collectible type has not yet been independently verified.